McCarthy tears up while describing Driver's legacy

Feb. 6, 2013

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Whether it’s speaking publicly or directing his coaches and players, the Green Bay Packers’ seventh-year coach typically reverts to the “Pittsburgh-macho” persona Ted Thompson labeled him with upon being hired in 2006.

During Donald Driver’s retirement ceremony at the Lambeau Field Atrium on Wednesday, however, the moment caught up to McCarthy.

While describing Driver’s off-the-field contributions to the Packers’ organization, McCarthy tripped up when recalling a dinner he had with Driver and his family when he traveled out to Hollywood last spring to watch the Packers’ wide receiver compete on “Dancing with the Stars.”

He tried to compose himself, but he couldn’t stop the tears, which was met by a chorus of applause from the 1,000 fans in attendance.

“Almost made it,” said McCarthy with a slight laugh before a brief pause. “I’m consistent. I’ll say that. I’m talking about the husband. I’m talking about the father. I’m talking about the friend. He’s given a tremendous amount to our organization and will continue."

McCarthy, team president Mark Murphy and general manager Ted Thompson also spoke about Driver before the Packers’ media department ran a video montage of his career.

When the time came for Driver to deliver his own opening statement, he struggled to find the words much like McCarthy before finding his rhythm during a Q&A session with the media that ran about 10 minutes to close the ceremony.

“Jesus Christ has given me the wisdom to understand when things must come to an end,” Driver said. “Sometimes I ask myself why now, but God says he will make a way out of no way to understand the reason why. So today is today that I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League. It’s been a tough decision, but my family and I felt it was time for the next chapter in our lives.”